'Champion' award for West Lalor Tennis Club's Andrew MacNeill

For the past five years, Andrew MacNeill has been determined to help West Lalor Tennis Club grow.

Mr MacNeill joined the club 20 years ago after hearing about it through friends, and five years ago, joined its committee to lend a hand.

Two and a half years ago, he was elected president.

In recent years, the club’s membership has grown from around 100 members to around 430 registered members, while a new court booking system has been introduced and work has started on improving facilities.

Last year, the club was named one of Tennis Victoria’s top 50 clubs and was a finalist in the Victorian Tennis Awards.

Mr MacNeill’s role in the club’s growth was recognised recently, with Tennis Victoria naming him as one of three Victorian Community Champions.

Tennis Victoria said West Lalor’s growth was “mainly due” to Mr MacNeill’s innovations and hard work, adding that he had secured sponsors for the club, new signage to increase awareness of its location and helped grow its social media presence.

Mr MacNeill said the award was recognition of the hard work by the club’s committee over the years.

“To feel that I’m doing something which helps everyone play tennis, helps the club grow and helps the community, it’s great to be recognised for all that work put in,” he said.

The club will hold an open day on Saturday, February 3, from 11am-2pm. There will be plenty of activities and a free barbecue lunch. At Kingsway Drive, Lalor.